Can strabismus in children lead to myopia or increase the degree of existing myopia?
Disease description:
My child has been diagnosed with strabismus, but I’m concerned that it may develop into myopia—or even that the myopia prescription may continue to increase. Can childhood strabismus lead to myopia, and can the myopia prescription still progress?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen You
Pediatric strabismus may lead to myopia and exacerbate its progression. Therefore, strabismus should be corrected promptly to prevent associated complications. Strabismus itself does not directly cause myopia in patients; however, myopia may be either congenital or acquired. Acquired myopia often results from poor visual habits, insufficient outdoor activity, or ocular diseases that cause axial elongation of the eye. Strabismus has multiple etiologies, including congenital developmental abnormalities as well as acquired conditions due to systemic or ocular disease.
